Kiev, Ukraine – In a bid to strengthen its position against Russia, Ukraine is set to seek a NATO membership invitation next week, a letter obtained by Reuters revealed. The move comes amidst heightened tensions between Ukraine and Russia, with Ukraine pushing for stronger ties with Western allies to counter Russian aggression.

The letter sent by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba to NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg outlined Ukraine’s request for a NATO Membership Action Plan at the upcoming summit next week. This move is seen as a significant step towards advancing Ukraine’s goal of joining the military alliance.

Ukraine has long sought closer ties with NATO, especially after Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014. The Ukrainian government views NATO membership as crucial for its national security and defense against Russian encroachment.

However, Ukraine’s bid for NATO membership has faced opposition from Russia, which sees closer ties between Ukraine and Western alliances as a threat to its own security interests. The ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine between Ukrainian forces and Russian-backed separatists has further escalated tensions between the two countries.

Despite the challenges and opposition, Ukraine remains determined to pursue NATO membership as a strategic goal. The upcoming summit could be a critical moment in determining Ukraine’s future relationship with the military alliance and its allies in the West.

The letter from Ukraine to NATO signals a strong commitment to deepening cooperation and security ties with Western partners. It also underscores Ukraine’s willingness to take concrete steps towards strengthening its defenses and aligning with Euro-Atlantic institutions. As the situation in Eastern Europe continues to evolve, the outcome of Ukraine’s NATO membership request will carry significant implications for regional security and stability.